The proposed Neart na Gaoithe off the east coast of Scotland could deliver £827 million of economic benefits over its 30-year lifespan, according to a new report.

The study, commissioned by wind farm developer Mainstream Renewable Power and compiled by the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of

Strathclyde in Glasgow, said 2,000 jobs would be created during the four years that the £2 billion project is being constructed.

Stuart McIntyre, of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said: “Our study shows that, based on information provided to us about the expected size of this project and the anticipated spend within Scotland, there could be an impact on the Scottish economy over the 30 year lifetime of this project equivalent to 0.6% of Scottish GDP in 2016.”

The United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Swiss Centre for Electronics & Microtechnology and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne have set a new record for solar cell efficiency.

They achieved 35.9% for one type of solar cell and 32.8% for another.

Most domestic solar cells currently have between 10% and 20% efficiency.